The Police play an important role in preventing and combating domestic and gender-based violence, as well as violence against children. One of the Government’s priorities is the clear legal regulation of Police powers in this area.
Although a number of laws and sub-legislative acts have already been adopted, including the Law “On the Prevention of Domestic and Gender-Based Violence and Protection of Persons Subjected to Domestic and Gender-Based Violence,” there are still issues of cooperation and implementation.
Vice President of the Armenian Bar Association Marat Atovmyan noted in an interview with Iravaban.net that the Republic of Armenia has special legislation relating to the fight against domestic violence.
“The Police have a corresponding subdivision that deals with the prevention of domestic violence, registration of perpetrators and works with them. There are also relevant international documents, as well as successful international experience on how to detect and prevent such cases,” notes Marat Atovmyan.
Types of Domestic and Gender-Based Violence
Domestic and gender-based violence is considered to be physical, sexual, psychological or economic violent acts or neglect committed between family members or partners or former family members or former partners, regardless of their cohabitation circumstances.
The types are:
- Physical violence
- Sexual violence
- Psychological violence
- Economic violence
- Neglect
The Law and Amendments Made to It
The Law “On the Prevention of Domestic and Gender-Based Violence and Protection of Persons Subjected to Domestic and Gender-Based Violence” has been in effect since January 31, 2018.
During its implementation, a number of reforms have been carried out that aim to:
- More clearly define the scope of persons subjected to violence
- Provide them with more effective protection
- Improve protection mechanisms based on both national experience and international best practices
In addition, the Government has developed two strategic documents:
- The 2024-2028 Gender Policy Implementation Program, which envisages prevention of violence against women and girls and assistance pathways
- The 2024-2029 Child Rights Protection Program, which includes measures to combat child abduction, sexual violence, bullying and other forms of violence
In accordance with these programs, the Ministry of Internal Affairs must initiate a number of comprehensive actions that will include:
- Evidence-based policy
- Professional capacity development
- Closer cooperation between agencies
The Importance of Retraining
Victims of domestic violence, especially women and children, are more vulnerable to repeated violence. Therefore, it is important to:
- Apply trust-building communication methods
- Exclude accusatory or derogatory language
- Ensure proper registration and safe transfer of victims, for example to shelters
For this purpose, it is necessary to:
- Develop special communication guidelines
- Review Police retraining programs
- Establish standard operating procedures that guarantee a victim-centered and gender-sensitive approach
The Republic of Armenia’s strategic action plan envisages developing and establishing a monitoring procedure for preventing domestic and gender-based violence by minors within the framework of preventive registration of domestic violence.
In addition, procedures for detecting cases of domestic and gender-based violence, referring persons subjected to domestic and gender-based violence, and assessing the risk of recurrence of domestic and gender-based violence cases must be developed and adopted.
Separate working guidelines are also envisaged for communication with children and other persons subjected to violence. Police officers, including patrol officers, will also be retrained.
Successful International Experience
For example, in a number of European countries, barnahus operate. This is a place where a multidisciplinary and inter-agency team of law enforcement agencies, criminal justice, child protection services, as well as health and mental health specialists cooperate to provide optimized services for child protection and child-friendly justice. Services are provided free of charge to children and their families.
These child protection centers first began operating in the United States in 1985. The center’s goal was to prevent secondary trauma by providing a friendly, safe and neutral environment for children for forensic examinations, interviews, medical examinations and treatment.
Iceland established the barnahus in 1998, inspired by the Child Advocacy Center model. The barnahus differed from the Child Advocacy Center model in that its services were integrated into national public welfare and judicial systems.
A child’s recorded testimony at the barnahus is considered valid evidence for judicial proceedings, thus eliminating the need for the child to wait months or years to appear in court, while respecting defense rights.
The model was then adopted in other Scandinavian countries based on Icelandic practice: first in Sweden in 2005, Norway in 2007, and Denmark in 2013. Overall, there are more than 50 barnahus points in Scandinavian countries.
Since 1991, the Government of Canada has created the Family Violence Initiative program, bringing together 15 federal ministries and agencies in the field of domestic violence prevention and support.
The program has 24/7 hotlines and shelters in all provinces of Canada, conducts special training for police officers, doctors, teachers who must work with persons who have experienced violence.
International experience shows that a coordinated approach, victim-centered policies and inter-agency cooperation are vital for preventing cases of violence and ensuring effective response.
The “Public Oversight and Awareness of Effective and Inclusive Police Reforms” sub-grant is implemented by the “Armenian Bar Association” with funding from the European Union under the “Monitoring Justice Sector Reforms in Armenia” program (www.juremonia.am) within the framework of a grant announced by the “Social Justice” public organization.
The overall goal of the program is to increase civil society participation in monitoring and impact assessment of police reforms by ensuring structural engagement mechanisms, independent assessment and raising public awareness. Close cooperation and engagement with public organizations as well as relevant subdivisions of the Ministry of Internal Affairs is envisaged during program implementation.
This article was prepared with the financial support of the European Union. The “Armenian Bar Association” public organization is responsible for the content and it does not necessarily express the views of the European Union.
]]>
Armenia joins this prestigious initiative for the second time. The first time was in 2019, when 49 other countries joined the report. In 2024, 51 countries were involved in preparation of the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor Report, including a number of developing countries such as Kazakhstan, Ukraine, Belarus, Egypt, Jordan, and countries with developed economies – the USA, Canada, Germany, the United Kingdom, Austria, Norway, etc.
This year, just like in 2019, the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor: Armenia National Report 2024/2025 was prepared by Ameria Management Advisory Services, the Armenian partner of the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor.
Armenia’s involvement in the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor 2024 research allows for significant comparison both with the findings of the Armenia National Report 2019 and with different countries, including the Eastern Europe+ group of countries, where Armenia belongs by virtue of its regional affiliation.
The Global Entrepreneurship Monitor 2024 research embraces more than 161,000 adult respondents from 51 member countries and the opinions of more than 2,400 industry experts from 56 countries.
Data collection in Armenia comprised individual interviews with 2,000 adults (aged 18-64) and 37 industry experts. Individual interviews were held in April-June, 2024.
The Armenia National Report is composed of 8 chapters that present the overall entrepreneurship level in the country and distribution across different population groups and economic sectors. The report addresses the attitude towards entrepreneurship and entrepreneurs, the motivation to start a business, the impact of business on the economy, informal investments, business exit processes, the use of artificial intelligence and digital tools in business, as well as the general entrepreneurial environment in Armenia.
A number of engrossing findings stated in the national report are particularly important to consider when developing future strategies and policies. Thus, for example:
- In 2024, Armenia maintains a high level of entrepreneurship, perceiving entrepreneurship as a desirable career (ranking the 1st in the Eastern Europe+ group and 5th among 51 member in 2024 Global Entrepreneurship Monitor),.
- The respect for entrepreneurs among the public and the positive feedback in the media remains at a high level.
- The need remains the main motivation for entrepreneurship but the desire to build wealth as the main motivation for entrepreneurship has increased significantly, especially among young people and urban residents.
- In Armenia, 44% of all early-stage entrepreneurship and 53% of established businesses are sole proprietorships.
- Women’s entrepreneurship, unlike men’s, is relatively underdeveloped.
- Among the entrepreneurial environment indicators, entrepreneurship education was rated the lowest by the experts.
- The use of digital technologies and artificial intelligence is still at a low level, especially among established businesses.
The message of the Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia Mher Grigoryan regarding the report reads: “Release of this report is well-timed – it gives an impartial and comprehensive assessment of the standing of entrepreneurship in Armenia and presents our progress within the global context”.
In his speech, Tigran Jrbashyan, partner of Ameria CJSC, Director of Ameria Management Advisory Services, mentioned: “The report findings clearly evidence that entrepreneurship in Armenia needs a broader policy vision – one that goes beyond financial support and focuses on education, digital inclusion, and structural incentives promoting business scalability, innovation, and lasting survival”.
]]>“I was happy that I met him, because he was a very caring husband and caring father, unfortunately, it was short-lived. He loved his family very much, he did everything to make things good, so the children wouldn’t be troubled. He would do any job so that the children wouldn’t lack anything,” Sona tells within the framework of Iravaban.net‘s “Immortal victims of the Artsakh war” series.
After doing various jobs, Hovhannes expressed a desire to join the ranks of the Armed Forces. The father of three sons had said that it was very good work, but Sona was so opposed to it that she was even upset with her husband for a long time, but eventually came to terms with Hovhannes’ choice.
“He had been accepted for 5 months, was working, was at the Yeraskh positions, he said it was very good, everything was normal, don’t worry. On the evening of October 9, he called and said they were being transferred to Artsakh. It was unexpected. On October 13, my mother-in-law dies and we learn that Hovhannes has also fallen in battle. Neither knew about the other’s death. He had said ‘I’m going, I’ll come back,’ but he didn’t come back,” she recounts.
He had given hope that he would definitely return, and Sona had waited hopefully. Now she is fulfilling her husband’s last request, living and doing everything for their three sons. She says it’s very difficult, but she continues to struggle, fighting against injustice.
“I forget my pain and sorrow by suppressing myself, so that my children feel good and don’t feel broken. My son says ‘Mom, how strong you are that you endure.’ I say ‘God is with me, I endure, what else can I do?'” tells Sona.
Details in the video.
]]>“If he is a serious painter, he must paint everything, do everything, delve into it, see the world well, and only then will he feel that he is a painter. There are many painters, they all see differently, I think they cannot see the same thing. If it were so, all paintings would be the same,” notes our artist.
At the foundation of Artin’s words lies an important truth – art demands complete dedication, deep perception, and one’s own vision. He speaks not only about technical skill, but also about the importance of seeing the world in one’s own way and expressing that vision through art.
He recounts that initially he was involved in music, but during that time he was also painting, inspired by music after several episodes that happened in his life, but nevertheless, painting prevailed: “I say, why did the days pass so quickly, if only we could remain young a little longer, paint a little more… Well, since we’ve grown up, naturally, we paint less, we go to good places less, and probably we talk too much.”
The eighteenth part of the “Mystery of Creation” film series, implemented within the framework of the “ZArt” cultural project by Iravaban.net, reveals a unique world of thought, emotion, and struggle hidden within art.
“ZArt” has a special mission – to build a bridge between art and society. The project aims to present Armenian artists and their exceptional works not only to Armenian society, but also to the diaspora and abroad, contributing to the popularization of art and recognition of artists. Through this film series, society comes closer to art, while artists come closer to society, creating a beautiful space of cultural understanding.
The painter also considers creating on canvas as self-expression, but there is nothing surprising about it – he does everything for himself, he is happy that he has a good family, and they also inspire him: “Me, my studio, my garden – it’s good…”
“This world is constantly trying to stop you, saying it’s enough, there might be fights, bad things might happen,” reflects our hero, speaking about struggle, then briefly summarizes: “We live on.”
In this expression is hidden the experience, patience, and philosophy of an entire life. The painter lives not only through art, but like art itself – calmly, deeply, and meaningfully.
Details in the video.
These include:
- Divorce
- Determining the child’s place of residence
- Enforcement of alimony
- Division of joint property
- Issues of communication, upbringing and education with the child
- Establishing the order of child visitation
- Amendment or termination of marriage contracts
What is torture?
Torture is a deliberate action aimed at causing severe physical or psychological pain or suffering to a person:
- to obtain information or confession,
- to punish that person or a third party,
- to intimidate the person or break their will,
- or for any other reason, when such action is carried out by a state official or on their instruction or with their tacit consent.
Torture is considered a gross violation of human rights and is prohibited by international and national legislation. It is used as a tool of pressure and humiliation, but from a legal standpoint, the application of such methods is unacceptable regardless of circumstances.
The most important international document on this topic is the UN Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment.
Strategy objectives
In an interview with Iravaban.net, Marat Atovmyan, Vice President of the Armenian Bar Association and lawyer, notes that the police has a serious role in eliminating torture.
“It is very important that police officers have the necessary skills, knowledge and abilities to properly relate to persons who have become victims of torture, to be able to properly take reports about interrogations, as well as to take correct legal measures to protect their rights,” notes Atovmyan.
The police reform implementation strategy and the 2024-2026 action program aim to form a law-respecting, fair and professional police system. Special attention has been paid to preventing torture, recording cases of violence, protecting personal data, and retraining in accordance with international standards.
International criteria have been established for the protection of persons deprived of liberty. The most important of these is the Istanbul Protocol, adopted by the UN in 1999. It provides clear guidelines on how to investigate complaints about torture and how to document medical traces and transmit information to competent authorities.
In this process, it is very important that police officers and doctors are well prepared. If the rules are not clear or there are no necessary specialists, there may be violations of rights – intentionally or carelessly. In addition, different forms of registering such cases in different institutions (for example, in the police and emergency services) can create gaps. Such problems can affect both citizens’ rights and the motivation of dedicated police officers.
Another problem is that people sometimes do not report cases of violence due to fear or lack of trust. But there are also cases when reports are too superficial or even false.
Proper training of doctors and police officers, as well as the availability of sufficient human and technical resources, are important for the system to avoid delays and errors.
Action plan of the strategy
The action program envisages developing and implementing a special methodology for evaluating the quality of retraining and courses on the UN Convention Against Torture and the Istanbul Protocol, as well as retraining materials on torture and other forms of ill-treatment.
In addition, the complete application of the renewed procedure for the activity of public observer groups exercising public supervision in places of detention of arrestees must be ensured.
Successful international experience
The European Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT) visited Armenia in 2023. They noted that the situation in the police has generally improved.
Many citizens have reported that they have been treated properly. It was also noted that interrogations are video-recorded and police officers wear video-recording devices. However, there have also been some cases where police have used disproportionate force.
Iravaban.net also presents several examples from international experience. These countries manage to effectively fight against these problems.
In Germany, police officers are required to undergo retraining on torture and human rights protection related to international conventions, particularly EU standards.
Independent bodies have been established to monitor police activities (for example, an independent supervisory council), which citizens can turn to if they want to report a case of torture.
Police activities are often audio and video recorded to avoid abuse.
In Finland, there is equivalent application of Istanbul Protocol regulations, including medical examinations and proper documentation of torture alerts.
A digitized system has been built that allows rapid response to torture alerts and provides professional assistance.
Police officers are retrained not only in legal but also psychological and ethical aspects.
In Great Britain, there is an independent investigative body – the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), which investigates police violations including cases of torture.
Police officers undergo immediate retraining on the rights and dignity of detainees.
Standardized interrogation procedures are applied, which are video-recorded.
These successful experiences show that in preventing torture, the following are important:
- the presence of independent oversight bodies,
- continuous retraining of law enforcement officers,
- the use of technical means (video recording),
- and active involvement of society.
The “Public Oversight and Awareness of Effective and Inclusive Police Reforms” sub-grant is implemented by the “Armenian Bar Association” with funding from the European Union under the “Monitoring Justice Sector Reforms in Armenia” program (www.juremonia.am) within the framework of a grant announced by the “Social Justice” public organization.
The overall goal of the program is to increase civil society participation in monitoring and impact assessment of police reforms by ensuring structural involvement mechanisms, independent assessment and raising public awareness. Close cooperation and involvement with public organizations as well as relevant subdivisions of the Ministry of Internal Affairs is envisaged during program implementation.
This article was prepared with financial support from the European Union. The “Armenian Bar Association” public organization is responsible for the content and it does not necessarily express the views of the European Union.
]]>Through this new integration, MyInvest users can submit buy and sell orders directly from Ameriabank’s mobile app, which are instantly reflected in the AMXTrader system. MyInvest is an investment platform, integrated into Ameriabank’s bank’s mobile app, offering access to over 30 international financial markets and more than 20,000 stocks and bonds. The platform allows clients to execute a variety of transactions, including trading in the bond market, actively participate in capital market operations, and thereby contribute to increased exchange activity.
The integration significantly enhances transaction speed, removes the need for paper-based instructions, and reduces the risk of human error. Beyond technical upgrades, this partnership enhances the quality of investment services by offering a more convenient, faster, and secure tool for executing investment transactions. It is a major step toward a fully digitized investment ecosystem in Armenia where investors can monitor their portfolios and execute trades in real time. Integrations like this play a crucial role in developing the capital market, making it more accessible, transparent, and efficient for all participants.
Hayk Yeganyan, CEO of AMX, stated: “Direct access to the AMXTrader trading platform creates a next level of experience for both investors and financial institutions. We welcome Ameriabank’s progressive move, which can serve as an example for other companies. Collaborations like this are vital in accelerating the development of a more dynamic, transparent, and inclusive capital market.”
Diana Hakobyan, Co-Director of Ameriabank’s FX and Brokerage Operations, added:
“This new collaboration between the Armenia Stock Exchange and Ameriabank is a turning point not only for the development of Ameria’s digital investment services but also for advancing Armenia’s capital market as a whole. As a result, investors gain entirely new opportunities with faster and more accessible transactions. We believe that such digital solutions not only elevate the culture of investing but also serve as a powerful driver in unlocking the full potential of the capital market.”
-End-
About AMX | Armenia Stock Exchange
Armenia Stock Exchange (AMX) is the only securities regulated market operator in Armenia. As an integrated exchange offering, AMX provides a full suite of services including listing, trading, clearing, information services, and alternative market solutions. Investors receive a wide range of investment products and maximum transparency, together with the smooth and efficient execution and clearing of trade transactions. Being a 100% shareholder of the Central Depository of Armenia, AMX also provides integrated settlement solutions for both resident and non-resident clients by utilizing the central depository’s international settlement network and relationships with global depositories.
The mission of AMX is to enhance and develop the infrastructure of the Armenian capital market and create an attractive business environment.
For additional information please contact AMX Marketing and Communication Department at +374 60 69 55 55 ext. 142, [email protected].
About Ameriabank
Ameriabank is a leading financial and technology company in Armenia, a major contributor to the Armenian economy. In pursuit of digital transformation, the Bank has implemented unique products, services and innovative platforms designed to meet the diverse financial and non-financial needs people have today and keeps on improving them.
Being a dynamically developing fintech environment, Ameriabank offers comprehensive solutions to improve the quality of life.
The Bank is supervised by the Central Bank of Armenia.
]]>Mayis studied at the State College of Dance Arts and was a folk dancer. He was drafted into the army on July 16, 2019. He served in “Martuni 3.”
“He was satisfied, he took sergeant courses in Askeran. He was a squad commander. He never complained about anything. He always said – I’m going to serve in Karabagh and in Aghdam (Akna). During the war days he would call and say, don’t believe the news, everything is fine, in the end we’ll dance kochari in Baku. The last call was on October 11, he told my husband – I called to hear your voice and that’s it. He didn’t say they were taking them to Hadrut,” the mother, Kristine Goreyan, told Iravaban.net within the framework of the “Immortal victims of the Artsakh war” series.
An entire unit was killed on October 11, and the parents are certain that the boys were deceived and taken to occupied Hadrut. I blame Jalal Harutyunyan.
“On December 5, when they brought out the children’s bodies, our boys had fought with the ‘Yashma’ unit, they had even called for help, but no one came to their aid. They helped each other, bandaged wounds. That’s how, on that day, they found all 76 boys with their 3 commanders. And our hellish days began – for us parents. Volunteers told the fathers about the boys’ acts of bravery,” notes Mayis’s mother.
Mayis Shahen Avetumyan was born on March 13, 2001, and was killed on October 11, 2020.
Details in the video.
]]>
The artist calls for being grateful for God’s gifts and creating and being devoted to one’s own creations: “A canvas can be born from a simple word and another canvas from a great war.”
Our hero’s words are simultaneously inclusive, accepting that all people have ability and opportunity and demanding emphasizing that each person is responsible for properly using their received gifts.
He emphasizes that art can respond to both daily life and global tragedies.
The seventeenth episode of the “Mystery of Creation” film series, implemented within the framework of the “Z’Art” cultural project by Iravaban.net, presents the creative and spiritual world of painter Vardan Gabrielyan. The artist speaks about the confidence that creating is not merely a technical skill, but inspiration, responsibility, and readiness to listen to God’s will. How does a simple word become the seed of a canvas, or how does a person become an instrument at the precise moment of creation?
“Z’Art” has a special mission: to build a bridge between art and society. The project aims to present Armenian artists and their exceptional works not only to Armenian society but also to the diaspora and abroad, contributing to the popularization of art and recognition of artists. Through this series of documentaries, society comes closer to art, and artists come closer to society, creating a beautiful space of cultural understanding.
“You don’t enter the studio with the same feelings all the time, that cycle is for a lifetime: you are devoted to your work, this is your work, this is your duty and what you must do. I owe nothing to anyone, but when I paint, it’s as if I’m paying off some debt somewhere,” reflects Vardan Gabrielyan and notes that when the ordinary world becomes like art, it won’t be good then, and it’s not good when the art created is like the world.
Details in the video.
The author and director of the “ZArt” cultural project is Karen Zadoyan, and the author and director of the “Mystery of Creation” video series is Vazgen Ghukasyan.
]]>What problems is the ministry trying to solve with this change, and does the professional community support reviewing cases in this format?
Details in the video.
]]>